Interview questions to ask a teacher candidate
US context, federal rules as of 31 Oct 2026.
Use these 12 interview questions to ask a teacher candidate the same way every time. Score each answer from 1 to 4 against the notes, pick 8 to 10 questions per interview, and decide on the total score rather than first impressions. Keep every question tied to the job.
At a glance
- Match questions to your written teacher requirements, one per must-have.
- Ask every candidate the same questions in the same order.
- Score right after the interview, before comparing notes.
What should you know about the role?
The Bureau of Labor Statistics lists a bachelor's degree as the typical entry-level education for high school teachers. It states that public school teachers must hold a state-issued certification or license for the grade level they teach, while private school teachers typically are not required to be licensed (BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, last modified 27 August 2026). Confirm credentials against your state's rules.
Interview questions
| # | Question | A good answer shows | Red flags |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Describe how you plan a unit from goals to assessment. | Backward planning, clear goals | Activities without goals |
| 2 | How do you adapt a lesson for students at different levels? | Specific strategies, checks understanding | One approach for everyone |
| 3 | Tell me about a time a lesson did not work. | Reflects, adjusts, tries again | Blames students |
| 4 | How do you manage a disruptive class? | Clear expectations, calm, consistent | Punitive or unclear |
| 5 | How do you assess whether students are learning? | Varied checks, uses results | Relies on one test |
| 6 | How do you communicate with families? | Regular, respectful, two-way | Only when problems arise |
| 7 | How do you support students who are behind or ahead? | Targeted help, enrichment | Ignores the extremes |
| 8 | Tell me about collaborating with colleagues. | Shares and borrows ideas | Works alone |
| 9 | How do you use technology to support learning? | Purposeful, not flashy | Technology for its own sake |
| 10 | How do you keep student information confidential? | Knows school policy, discretion | Casual sharing |
| 11 | What would you do if you suspected a student was unsafe? | Follows the required reporting process | Investigates alone |
| 12 | Can you meet the essential functions of this position, with or without reasonable accommodation? | Understands the posting | Evades |
Follow-up probes
Ask for a sample lesson plan or a short teaching demonstration, the same for every candidate, and score it with the same rubric. Open every interview with the same short overview of the role and the hiring steps, take brief notes on each answer, and leave five minutes for the candidate's own questions. Compare candidates only after every scorecard is complete, and keep your notes so the decision can be explained consistently later. If an answer is thin, repeat the question once in the same words rather than hinting at what you want to hear. Interviewers who score independently and then discuss tend to reach fairer, better-documented decisions.
Scorecard (1 to 4)
Score each criterion from 1 (weak, no relevant example) to 4 (strong, specific and repeated evidence) right after the interview, before you compare notes.
| Criterion | Questions | What a 4 looks like |
|---|---|---|
| Instruction and planning | 1, 2, 5, 9 | Clear goals and checks for learning |
| Classroom management | 3, 4, 7 | Calm, consistent, fair |
| Communication | 6, 8 | Respectful, collaborative |
| Student safety and ethics | 10, 11, 12 | Follows procedure, protects privacy |
Set your shortlist rule before the first interview, for example an average of 3 or higher with no criterion at 1. Copy the grid into the interview scorecard template.
Fair interviewing
Ask every candidate the same job-related questions. Keep questions about age, family plans, religion, disability, national origin or other protected traits out of the interview, and ask about physical requirements only as the EEOC allows. Read illegal interview questions before you finalize your list.
Related guides
See illegal interview questions, structured interview guide, interview scorecard template, teacher interview questions for India.
This is general information, not legal, tax or immigration advice. Rules change and your situation may differ. Consult a licensed attorney or qualified adviser.